Guide to Endodontic Treatment

Endodontic treatment is commonly known as "root canal." "Endo" is the Greek word for "inside" and "odont" is Greek for "tooth." Endodontic treatment treats the inside of the tooth.

To understand endodontic treatment, it helps to know something about the anatomy of the tooth. Inside the tooth, under the white enamel and a hard layer called the dentin, is a soft tissue called the pulp. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue and creates the surrounding hard tissues of the tooth during development.

The pulp extends from the dental crown of the tooth to the tip of the roots where it connects to the tissues surrounding the root. The pulp is important during a tooth's growth and development. However, once a tooth is fully mature it can survive without the pulp, because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it.

The dental school curriculum includes the instruction and practice of endodontic treatment. An endodontist is the dental specialist, with two additional years of training in the management of pulpal disease and orofacial pain. The endodontist is especially skilled in the management of stubborn, challenging cases and retreatment.

The objective of performing root canal therapy is to remove the diseased tissue within the root canal system. The pulp, which supplies the blood supply and the nerve inside the tooth, can become inflamed or infected due to deep tooth decay, repeated dental procedures and/or cracks or chips in dental fillings or teeth. The symptoms associated with root canal treatment include lingering pain to cold or hot, inability to chew and/or spontaneous pain. Swelling and tenderness around the gum tissue, at or near the end of the roots can also be symptoms of an infected tooth.

In a few cases where nonsurgical endodontic treatment cannot save the tooth, endodontic surgery becomes necessary. The basic idea is to clean out the infection at the end of the root and to seal the root end with a filling. This procedure is called an "apicoectomy."

Fractured or chipped teeth can be repaired with simple filling, or if the nerve is exposed, a root canal might be needed. Teeth can also be dislodged in several ways. Teeth can be pushed in and pushed partially out of socket and malpositioned. Usually stabilizing the teeth and testing them for vitality is all that is needed. If the nerve tests abnormally, then root canal therapy might be necessary. The worst prognosis is usually associated with avulsed teeth. This is because the supporting structures for the tooth can become irreversibly damaged. If the tooth is placed back in the socket within a reasonable period of time then there is a chance to save that tooth. It is important not to handle the root of the tooth excessively and to place it in a moist environment. Milk, salt water, or specific solutions sold at local drug stores are good mediums for preserving the tooth. Try to get to your dentist as soon as possible.

Upon completion of root canal therapy by an endodontist, the patient will be advised, if necessary, to return to their general dentist for a permanent dental restoration. It is the patient's responsibility and is necessary to safeguard the integrity of the tooth structure.

Remember, only a dentist can diagnose your dental problems and offer the right treatment plan for you. If you need a dentist, call us at 1-866-970-0441 to be connected with one today.